VANDERBIJLPARK. – On Tuesday, February 26, chaos erupted at North West University’s entrance as students protested over issues concerning the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Amidst the turmoil, two students were reportedly run over by a fellow student.
Sources reveal that as the protest commenced, Public Order Police were summoned to quell the unrest.
Vanderbijlpark police station commander, Brigadier Nikiwe Sefatsa said a case of Public Violence was opened.
“It is alleged that there was a stoppage at the gate during the unrest and a motorist was not allowed to go out.
When the student reversed, she unfortunately bumped two students,” she said. “It’s a norm that when there is unrest, we ensure a case is opened. A case was opened at our station,” she said.
Subsequent to the incident, a group of students confronted the female driver, engaging in chants, songs, and verbal abuse directed at her.
“Our officers managed to calm the situation and rescued the student driver.”
The aftermath of the event flooded social media platforms, depicting security personnel alongside two unidentified individuals, shielding a distressed female student.
In an official statement released on the institution’s website, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, condemned the student demonstrations regarding NSFAS.
“We are satisfied with the progress made during these meetings and will continue to involve other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the unfortunate incident does not recur,” stated Prof Tyobeka.
“It’s unfortunate and disappointing to realize there are people out there that is spreading misinformation and malicious information about the incident. I know that various allegations are being made about this student deliberately running over these students and even that it was racially motivated, but these are completely unfounded and untrue according to the information we have discovered,” said Louis Jacobs, spokesperson of NWU.
